HC Deb 02 June 1981 vol 5 c325W
41. Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the current unemployment figures.

Mr. Peter Morrison

The causes of high unemployment are deep seated and include, among other things, overmanning and inflationary pay awards in the past. The only sure basis for future prosperity and secure jobs is a reduction in the rate of inflation and the establishment of a climate in which the creation of new productive employment is encouraged. These are the objectives of current Government policies. There are already signs of success and the rate of increase in unemployment is lower than it was. But there is, of course still a long way to go.

48. Mr. Woolmer

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the total number of unemployed, including school leavers, in the United Kingdom for May 1979 and for the latest available date.

Mr. Peter Morrison

At May 1979 the number of people registered as unemployed, including school leavers, in the United Kingdom was 1,299,282. The corresponding figure, which is provisional, was 2,558,405 at May 1981.

Mr. Canavan

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the total number of registered unemployed in the United Kingdom; and what is his latest estimate of the non-registered unemployed.

Mr. Peter Morrison

At 14 May the provisional number of people registered as unemployed in the United Kingdom was 2,558,405. I have nothing to add to the answer about estimates of the non-registered unemployed which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member on 27 January 1981.